by John Edwards
Everyone in the house was fed and Charlotte, John, Elizabeth and the Smithwicks were the last to eat. Mr. Winstead then made his rounds to check on the status of everyone and took notes of what needs the people had and the questions he could not answer for them. He saw that all was well and that everyone was comfortable. Lastly, he met with his entire staff and thanked them for their unselfish service and told them he was very proud of them.
John Winstead went to his study and noticed when Robert went to bed, then Charlotte and lastly Jane went to visit with Elizabeth. When all was clear, John went into Elizabeth’s room and greeted her. “I am here Elizabeth. Are you feeling better?”
“I still have pain but otherwise I am as comfortable as I can be. I thank you for checking with me.”
“Then Is there anything I can do, anything you want, do you need Doris?”
“No sir, I am fine, thank you.”
“The staff have all worked hard today and they need to rest. Therefore, I shall leave your door ajar and I will stay here and sleep on the floor tonight. If you need anything I can help, or I will ask Doris to come.”
“There is no need sir, please do not do this.”
“My mind is already made up, Elizabeth. I have slept on the floor before and as tired as I am it should not be long before I fall to sleep. Then just say the word if you need or want anything and I will see to those needs. For now Elizabeth, I wish you a sound sleep. She heard him arrange some blankets and pillows on the floor near the door and gently settle in. Elizabeth scolded herself. He had just asked me if I needed anything. How about a big hug for a start, even a soft kiss would be nice, and a passionate one would be better still? Silly man, sleeping on the floor while I sleep soundly in this fine bed.
As Elizabeth thought of these things and about her long day she could not sleep. Her thoughts were on the man in her room, staying with her while his own staff got their share of a well deserved rest. Who was this man?
Just for a few moments she thought, Perhaps I should tell him I am cold, then he would come to me and put blankets over me. Soon she dismissed that thought; what she wanted was his arms to hold her, not blankets. Now she could hear that he was asleep and she listened to him. What was he dreaming? Had he ever dreamed about her? He seemed to her to be a sound sleeper and she could see he slept on his side. After a few minutes he turned to face her and she saw his face as the clouds moved just enough to shine a full moon upon Hunting Hills and lit up the front window of her room. Elizabeth watched as her John kept pushing a wayward curl, and she softly giggled knowing he cared for her.
The next morning found an overcast day, no sun and lighter rain. John Winstead had quietly left Elizabeth and removed all traces that he had slept in her room. The staff was up and busy early accommodating so many people. After all had been fed, John Winstead visited with the people who he had invited to Hunting Hills and he told them his assessment was that the worst of the torrential rains and windy weather was passed, but the rain, though light at present, would likely increase. To him, flooding was the main concern now and for the immediate future as the water upriver flows toward Hampshire and Hunting Hills and he knew that higher water was most likely coming. He advised that he would go out again later today and see if he could get into Hampshire to inspect for damage, plus he would retrace his steps from yesterday to see if there was anything else he could do. Before he left them he said he would attempt to learn as much news about the storm as he could.
The same men went out in the early afternoon to assess the conditions and were able to clear out more fallen debris from the creeks and tributaries, and they helped the homeowners with their immediate problems.
Next they crossed over into Hampshire and started clearing the creek there and were soon joined by some of the locals and they all worked until nearly nine. They were now quite tired and set off for Hunting Hills but were caught in another downpour with heavy winds, lightening and loud thunder and they did not arrive back until near ten and the staff attended to them right away. Robert said to them, “Men, I have no more whiskey, but John has some good wine, so after we eat, we shall drink again.”
The men again gathered around the man and slapped his back and smiled as they knew him as a hard worker and one of them. For that matter, they felt the same for Mr. Winstead, who they all agreed was the best of men.
John inquired of the housekeepers as to the others who had come and was told that everything is well and that he need not visit them this evening, as they were fed and many had gone to sleep.
John Winstead and the men ate in the smaller dining room and John broke out the wine with the meal and brought out other wine for the men. He was happy to oblige them for their efforts, and he was more happy to see the goodness of Robert Smithwick. He liked him.
After cleaning up and then seeing Charlotte and Jane, he went upstairs to see Elizabeth. As he knocked and heard her response, he came in to see his friend. She was sitting up with her foot elevated and was reading a book.
“I hope you are better Elizabeth? You look as though you are better.”
“I am sir, I have eaten and visited with Jane and Charlotte and am reading a book from your study, but now I should ask you to tell me of your day.
John Winstead sat beside her and reached to hold her hand and felt her warmth and her softness. Looking at her bright happy eyes staring at him he almost forgot how to begin but then he told her what he and the other men had done.
“John Winstead, I was very worried about you all. Was the work as dangerous as yesterday?”
“It was better. The worst part was coming here during the storm. We were all tired.”
“Is Mr. Smithwick drinking Scottish whiskey again with the men?”
“No, they are drinking my wine.” They looked at each other and laughed.
“Elizabeth, I have not known Robert very well, but we get along quite well. I enjoy his company.”
“As I do with Jane and Charlotte. They have visited with me several times today.”
“Am I allowed to sleep in your room again, Elizabeth?”
“No sir, I feel much better tonight and Rascal has advised that he does not think that your sleeping in my room is a good idea. Personally I feel he is jealous, but we must consider his feelings. So I will say you will sleep in your own bed tonight sir. If I need anything, I shall ring for Doris. Now, If you will help me position myself, I should like to lay down and sleep.”
“Certainly, Elizabeth,” and then he helped her to get into her sleeping position.”
“Are you comfortable Elizabeth?”
“Yes, thank you my good friend.” Does he not know he should kiss me?
He slept in his bed that night and for the first time in weeks he would awake well rested.
CHAPTER 13
MYSTERIES OF THE COMING OUT
The damages from the past storms were mostly minor as the preventive actions taken by all the men kept the streams unblocked to carry the rushing water downstream. The high water that came days later caused two houses close to the water in Hampshire to be completely lost and three others were badly flooded. Robert and Jane Smithwick left Hunting Hills a week after they had arrived. The other guests who had stayed during the storms soon left for their homes, but before that, all came to John Winstead and Robert and sincerely thanked them and the rest of the Hunting Hills staff for all that was done for them. It was with sadness that Robert and Jane left their friends but they planned to see each other soon.
Charlotte was becoming more excited about her coming out. She had just received a letter from her aunt, Lady Anne, in which she proposed to host Charlotte’s official coming out party in her London town home. Lady Anne was well known for her parties and had also given Lenore her coming out party there as well. John Winstead was happy to accommodate her, and he also became excited to take Charlotte and Elizabeth back to London. John had written Captain Wiltshire earlier after Elizabeth’s accident to send his regrets that they were unable to att
end the ball in London. To her brother, Charlotte seemed more upset about missing that ball than Elizabeth. He thought, Could it be Elizabeth would rather be with me?
Soon they left for London and the next day Charlotte and Elizabeth again went to the fashion district and visited the boutiques that they had lately ordered from. Their dresses and gowns were ready and as they tried them on, they each giggled as they admired how well each other looked. Soon they went to see Lady Anne and discuss the party. After greetings and introductions to her friends, they soon were surprised by the planning that had already been done. Lady Anne’s experience with these parties and with the social scene surrounding them was unmatched. She knew the names of most of the debutantes and their companions as well as many of the gentlemen that might attend. Lady Anne had a penchant for matchmaking and her closest friends in London were equally proficient at practicing this art, such that when Charlotte and Elizabeth arrived, they showed the two women a list of those that might be invited.
Charlotte and Elizabeth looked over the list and recognized the names of many of the people. They also saw other markings on the ledger which they did not understand, so Charlotte addressed the question to Lady Anne. Her response was most interesting. “Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Jackson and I have been interested in these events for years. Over that time we have contacted many people and studied these young people a great deal. As a result we have come up with a rating system for these people. We have the support of many other women as well.”
“What do these markings mean Lady Anne?”
“I cannot tell you that, Charlotte. That will remain a secret.”
“Then, can you not give us a little hint at all?”
“No, my dears, but you shall have a grand party. The only thing I ask you to do is look over the list and tell me if you see any people you do not want to invite.”
They studied the list and did not recognize the names of many of the gentlemen, but John Winstead, Robert Smithwick and Kenneth Moffitt were listed. Elizabeth noticed there were many markings next to John Winstead’s name and that one marking was beside his name and her name and no others on the sheet. What does all of this mean? Are they handicapping us to make bets?
There soon was a great commotion as many women came into the house. Lady Anne asked her housekeeper to show Charlotte and Elizabeth the rest of the house. Then she promised to visit them soon, but she excused herself to entertain her lady friends.
Elizabeth thought this all very strange as she noticed most of the ladies came with paper and pens and some had piles of notes. Clearly this was no afternoon tea. Her suspicion was this group of ladies had their weekly gossip fest. Could they be gambling concerning the outcome of the Season, about who would court who and about odds that they might marry?
Elizabeth softly laughed at this thought. The women, if this was a gossip and a betting circle, seemed sweet. Maybe this was a source of pleasure to them. They could enjoy some of the joys of youthful romance without incurring the pain. I shall enjoy watching them as much as the others, she thought.
Charlotte was still excited that evening as they set with John for dinner. He asked each how their day had gone. Elizabeth did not say anything about her suspicions about a ladies gambling club because there was no real evidence of it. Still, she held to her suspicions. They asked him of his day and he said he was involved with business in town. All commented on the sunny weather. London had recently received rain but nothing close to the storms that visited Hunting Hills. John asked them if they enjoyed meeting with Lady Anne and how the planning for her coming out party was going. Though it was scheduled for nine days away, on Saturday, neither could provide any details, but they did say that Lady Anne would visit them soon. “Well, at least we shall be well entertained when she arrives. But be aware, sister, and Elizabeth too, she is a confirmed matchmaker if I have ever seen one.”
Matchmaker, yes. Involved with a ladies gambling circle, maybe. What else does Lady Anne do with her time? Is she betting on John and I getting together? These were the thoughts that Elizabeth kept to herself.
The next morning the servant brought Mr. Winstead a note from his aunt, saying she would arrive early afternoon to discuss the party. She asked that Charlotte and Elizabeth have their coming out wardrobe at the ready for her inspection. Reading this caused John Winstead to laugh. “Lady Anne would have made a good officer in the army. Here read this,” and he handed the note to Charlotte who read it aloud and soon all laughed.
Just before two that afternoon, Lady Anne and two ladies came into the house. Elizabeth saw she was with the same women as yesterday. They are still handicapping. Guess they are evaluating what we shall wear. Anyway, let them have their diversions.
Come in aunt, ladies. Soon Elizabeth and Charlotte joined the ladies in the parlor. John was dismissed for the present as Lady Anne said this present discussion was for the ladies. Each women asked Charlotte and Elizabeth a series of questions and they took notes on what was said. Elizabeth took care not to gossip but noticed the three women gradually started to gossip. Like a drunk needing a drink, they needed to gossip. Look how happy they are doing it?
Some of the questions bordered on being personal so Elizabeth gently and politely got through that, but mostly the women were asking about what they knew so far about the other women and gentlemen. They want to gossip. Soon the questions came around to having the ladies describe their ideal partner and on which ladies on the list they thought might match up against which men. Elizabeth could not reply but she noticed Charlotte tried to respond to the questions but she did not reply so well and Elizabeth confirmed this by watching the women’s reaction as Charlotte spoke.
Lady Anne then produced a list of all the activities that she knew that were scheduled for the Season, and these were discussed. “Now there will be changes to this list, but I shall keep it updated. Also, after each event, my friends and I wish to discuss each of your thoughts. This is very important.” Yes, it is important to give you the latest gossip to allow you to make the best bets.
Now Elizabeth was into the whole scene. She was sure of what Lady Anne and the other women were doing. This might take some detective work, but she would uncover the truth in her own way. Slowly she started to enjoy this as she tried to imagine other women now meeting with young ladies who were coming out. Elizabeth thought all this so amusing that these women had so much interest in the Season.
The day before Charlotte’s coming out party, Elizabeth received a letter from Jane Smithwick. In her letter she thanked Elizabeth and Charlotte for being so kind to her brother and her at Hunting Hills. Thereafter, she advised Elizabeth that her gentleman friend, Mr. Kenneth Moffitt, would be attending Charlotte’s coming out, along with Julie and her companion, a Miss James. Miss Breckenridge, Julie’s closest friend, would also attend, as well as her companion. In all, Lady Anne was expecting near fifty debutantes and the same number of companions, including an equal number of eligible men. Charlotte’s coming out party for the Season would be a private affair and would be held one week before her official presentation at court.
Jane had requested that Elizabeth watch Mr. Moffitt very carefully and advise her of his performance as the women chased him about. Elizabeth took the letter seriously and she knew that Jane had reason to be concerned, but chase him about? Elizabeth did not think so. Still, Mary Alice was out to get her man, but it was not clear who that might be, but since she knew Mr. Moffitt, he might be on her list. Privately, Elizabeth did not think that Jane had too much cause to worry, but then again, Jane did not know Mary Alice. Elizabeth’s fears were that Mr. Winstead would be in danger. There would be many people at the party and so Elizabeth and Charlotte both fretted needlessly on these and other concerns.
On the night of her coming out, the grand home was festive and eloquent as the guests greeted Lady Anne, who stood in a receiving line that included Charlotte, Elizabeth, John Winstead, Lenore, and three ladies from the committee for the Season. As the guests arrived promptly
, the party began on time and with the musicians playing as the invitees sampled a large variety of foods and drink and other refreshments carried about by the many servants. As the musicians started playing, John Winstead opened the ball with Charlotte. All eyes were on the couple and Elizabeth could hear the ladies already commenting on Charlotte’s gown and her brother’s good looks. She also heard Mary Alice inquiring as to John Winstead’s wealth. John then danced with Lenore and then Lady Anne before coming over to Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth, you look very handsome tonight. Are you enjoying yourself so far?”
“Yes sir, I am happy, but as young Mr. Darcy suggested, might I be handsome enough to tempt any gentlemen?”
John Winstead tried to picture the lad telling his friends that not many ladies were handsome enough for him. “I still laugh that he made that comment, Elizabeth. It appears though that Mr. Darcy did meet that lady, but for now, young Darcy is no threat. No, he will have to wait until another Elizabeth comes along. However, there are many here who will seek you out. I only ask that you be careful during this Season.”